Adjustable Transport Box Segments for Variable Cargo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transport containers for bulky goods and finished parts are inflexible in size, leading to inefficiencies in transportation as they often exceed standard sizes, requiring special adaptations and resulting in increased costs and environmental exposure during transport.
Innovation Solution
A transport box divided into adjustable segments connected by hydraulic cylinders, allowing the size to be altered to fit specific goods, with a cover tarpaulin that adapts to the box's size changes, ensuring secure and protected transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size transport container is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the container cannot be adapted to different sizes of goods, leading to inefficient use of space and increased transportation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The transport container is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned along the longitudinal axis. These segments are connected via coupling elements, allowing them to be adjusted relative to each other to create different loading area sizes while maintaining structural integrity through the guide structure and coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The container transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure where segments can move along the longitudinal axis. The guide structure and coupling elements enable the segments to be repositioned to match the size of different goods, providing adaptability while maintaining structural stability during transport.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large transport container is used to accommodate bulky goods, then all goods can be transported, but the container exceeds standard sizes, requiring special adaptations and increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently adjusted. This allows the loading area to be extended or reduced along the longitudinal axis to match the specific dimensions of the goods being transported, rather than using a fixed large size for all cargo.
Solution Approach 2:
The container's effective loading length is made variable through the segmentation mechanism. By changing the position of segments relative to each other, the loading area parameter can be adjusted to match different goods sizes, allowing standard vehicles to transport various cargo types without requiring special size adaptations.
3Productivity
If a fixed-size transport container is used, then the structure is stable, but the container cannot be reduced in size for return journeys, increasing empty vehicle travel and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure allows for dynamic size adjustment where segments can be repositioned to minimize the loading area when returning empty. This dynamic capability enables the container to be reduced to a compact configuration for return trips, improving transport efficiency by reducing empty vehicle travel distance and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading area parameter can be changed by repositioning segments along the longitudinal axis. When returning empty, the segments can be adjusted to create a minimal loading area, effectively reducing the container's operational size and improving productivity by reducing the distance and costs associated with empty vehicle travel.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a large transport container is used, then all goods sizes can be accommodated, but the container exposes goods to environmental influences and increases transportation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented structure allows the container to be configured to match the exact dimensions of the goods being transported. By adjusting the segment positions, the loading area can be minimized to reduce the exposure of goods to environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and temperature fluctuations, while still accommodating various goods sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading area parameter can be adjusted by repositioning segments to create a custom fit for different goods. This parameter change allows the container to minimize the exposed surface area of goods, thereby reducing environmental exposure and protecting against harmful factors like moisture and temperature changes during transport.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The transport box can be easily adjusted to fit various sizes, reducing transportation costs and environmental exposure, while ensuring secure and protected transport of goods, even when empty, by minimizing the vehicle's size during non-use.
Implementation Method 1
two segments can be slid towards each other via a linear guide along the parallel outer edges and thereby the size of the loading area can be adapted to a finished part
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention comprises a transport box for transporting prefabricated parts and for mounting on the chassis of a commercial vehicle, wherein a loading area of the transport box extends on the chassis in a longitudinal and a lateral direction of the commercial vehicle and the transport box has at least two parallel outer edges. According to the invention, the transport box is divided orthogonally to the two parallel outer edges into at least a first segment and a second segment, wherein the two segments can be slid relative to each other via a linear guide along the parallel outer edges, thereby allowing the size of the loading area to be adapted to a prefabricated part.